1. 9- Each Day I’ll Do 9- Each Day I’ll Do 643- Count Your Blessings 643- Count Your Blessings 545- This World is not My Home 545- This World is not My Home 24- Anywhere is Home 24- Anywhere is Home 10- All to Jesus I Surrender 10- All to Jesus I Surrender 640- I Love the Lord 640- I Love the Lord

3. Introduction We live in a country in which we have the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. We have many today demanding their rights (abortion, homosexuality, bargaining, free health care, welfare, unemployment benefits, etc.) but few in comparison want to be responsible for their own actions. This worldly attitude and mindset can affect us as members of the church so that we become selfish. In this sermon, we will examine what the Bible says about our rights and responsibilities as individuals to God, others, the church, the home, & government. May God help us all to have the humility and conviction to put these principles into practice.

4. We Have Many Rights Granted by God We have a right to eat and drink (Mark 7:19; 1 Cor. 9:4) We can choose to marry or not marry (1 Cor. 9:5) We can be circumcised or not be circumcised (Gal. 5:6) We can choose an occupation we desire (Eccl. 5:18) We can exercise our bodies (1 Tim. 4:8) We can rest, relax, and laugh (Mark 6:31; Eccl. 3:4) We can have hobbies (build houses, plant gardens, read, write, fish, enjoy music, entertainment, etc.) (Eccl. 3:4-8; 12:12; Matt. 4:18) Enjoy your life, but don’t forget your responsibility to put God first (Eccl. 11:9; 12:13; Matt. 6:33)

5. As Christians, We are Responsible to God We don’t have the right to do what we want with our body. We’ve been purchased by the blood of Christ. (1 Cor. 6:19-20) Our bodies are to be a living sacrifice to God (Ro. 12:1). We must deny ourselves and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). God’s grace teaches us to deny ungodliness & worldly lusts and live righteously (Titus 2:11-12). Therefore you cannot kill the unborn child, we cannot choose to be homosexuals, adulterers, effeminate, gamblers, drinkers, etc. (1 Cor. 6:9-10). We must be a vessel of honor so that we can be prepared for every good work God wants us to do. (2 Tim. 2:21; 3:16-17; Titus 2:7; 3:14)

6. As Christians, We are Responsible to Others We can’t use our freedom as a license to sin, but are to serve our brethren (Gal. 5:13; Rom. 6:1-2). If my liberty is a stumbling block to my weaker brother I should be willing to give it up rather than demand my rights (1 Cor. 8:9-13). Paul was free from all men, yet he became a slave so that he might save their souls (1 Cor. 9:19-23). The husband has the right that his wife will submit and respect him as head of the home (Eph. 5:22-24, 33). The wife has the right that the husband will love her and not be bitter against her (Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:19). The parents sacrifice their rights to train their children who are to obey their mom and dad (Eph. 6:1-4)

7. As Christians, We Must Obey the Government We have the right in the US to vote, voice our opinion, call our representative, protest peacefully, etc. Government has been established by God to punish evildoers and if you resist or oppose that authority you will receive condemnation (Rom. 13:1-7). But when man’s law opposes God’s word, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:28-29). Sadly there are some brethren who are contending that you can take part in overthrowing our government. God forbid! (1 Peter 2:13-17) The apostles had to submit to a government that persecuted & even killed them. God will overthrow the wicked in the end (2 Peter 2:4-9).

8. Conclusion False teachers will emphasize people’s rights but not responsibilities to God, others, and even government (2 Peter 2:18-19) Let us not turn away from the holy commandment to be defiled by the world again (2 Peter 2:20-22). Are we conforming ourselves to this world’s standards or God’s standard in our lives? (Rom. 12:2; Col. 2:8) We are either the slaves of sin or of righteousness. (Rom. 6:16) If you have been a slave of sin you can obey the gospel of Christ and be free from sin (Rom. 6:17; 1 Cor. 6:11) or you can repent and be restored back to faithful service again (Acts 8:22).